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From Paul’s Pen

            Occasionally, I loosely borrow the quote from Amos 7:14 that “I am not a prophet nor a son of a prophet.” Then I’ll go on and make a prediction about who’s going to win a sports event or do something else in the future. I’ve also talked to people who’ve endured horrible tragedies. Most all have stated that it’s best we don’t know what the future holds – and I wholeheartedly agree! There are just some things we can’t prepare for even if we know about them beforehand.

            However, there are several things we do know await each of us. Jesus is coming again (Acts 1:9-11). All of us are assured of death unless Christ comes while we’re still alive (Hebrews 9:27; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17). There will be a resurrection of the dead when Christ returns – some to eternal life and some to eternal condemnation (John 5:25-29). Many passages warn us of the judgment to come (Hebrews 9:27; Acts 10:42; 2 Timothy 4:1; and Matthew 25:31-46). No one will escape the final judgment (Romans 14:10-11; 2 Corinthians 5:10). There are only two possible destinations for eternity – one for the saved and one for the condemned (Mark 16:16). Each of us is making a choice each moment of our lives as to where we will spend eternity. When we consider the horrors of hell and the place God has prepared for the devil and his angels, all of us should be like the apostle Paul – continually trying to persuade men to choose Christ as their Lord and Savior (Matthew 25:41; 2 Corinthians 5:11).

            Our Creator is a loving God, but He is also a righteous God – demanding justice: For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:30-31; NKJV).